Food Pantries See Increase in Use During Federal Shutdown

By ERIC SANTOMAURO-STENZELOTSEGO COUNTY

The Cooperstown Food Pantry has reported its visitors have doubled over the last month. The Oneonta Salvation Army saw increases of use as much as a third. Already burdened by a cost of living crisis, the stoppage of SNAP benefits on November 1 as a result of the government shutdown has driven even further need for affordable groceries.

“SNAP is a concern, but heat is also a major concern right now,” Cooperstown Food Pantry Executive Director Will Kleffner told AllOtsego. “Heat bills are rolling in and HEAP applications are not available right now in the government shutdown.”

Millions across the country have been impacted by the shutdown and its corresponding stop in SNAP benefits as of November 1. Kleffner said some have driven to the Cooperstown pantry from as far as the Albany area to get help.